World champion Joubert explains why children in France have started figure skating less often

World figure skating champion Brian Joubert told that an investigation was carried out against him, following which charges of abuse against athletes were dropped against him, however, parents in France are still reluctant to send their children to school to practice this sport.

Joubert retired in 2014. He now works as a coach in Poitiers. A year ago, the 39-year-old former skater was accused of child abuse and nearly lost his coaching license.

— Is there a children’s figure skating industry in France?

— Today, fewer children have started figure skating. The parents are afraid.

– What scares them?

— Sexual problems and child abuse.

— It’s hard to imagine a great sport without the inability to make an athlete’s voice heard.

– Certainly. But French coaches must behave with great caution. Otherwise, we risk losing our jobs.

– Can you tell your student that he is stupid if he did the exercise wrong and does not listen to you?

– Of course not. It’s impossible. Even if an athlete has extra pounds that prevent him from skating, I can’t talk to him about it. I understand that you have to respect children, but sometimes you have to put pressure on an athlete to get results.

Last year I almost lost my license and the ability to coach.

— What are the accusations against you?

“They said I was too hard on the kids.” Some parents wanted to ruin my career.

— How did you manage to solve the problem?

– Conducted an investigation. It was decided that I was a good coach and they allowed me to continue working,” Joubert told .

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